Hackable

Food

Remove cherry pits before you serve a bowl of cherries and you won’t have to worry about your kids chocking on the pits–or spitting them out at their siblings. First, wash the cherries. Use a narrow-necked bottle, like a wine bottle or an old-fashioned soda bottle. If the cherry has […]

Keep ice cream soft and ready for the whole family to enjoy with one simple trick: a freezer bag. No one likes to wait for ice cream to soften–especially kids! When you bring your favorite frozen confection home from the store, put it in a Ziploc bag before you put it […]

Keep basil fresh for up to a week with a simple cup of water. This method is similar to keeping a bouquet of cut flowers fresh. First, trim the stems of the basil with a sharp knife. Then, place the bunch into a glass of water. Cover with a plastic […]

Portion snacks before you indulge yourself so you’ll never have to say, “I can’t believe I ate that whole bag of cookies!” It’s easy to keep reaching into a bag of chips or a package of chocolate chip cookies until there’s nothing left. And then you feel bad. Enjoy your snacks […]

Cook pasta with less water and less mess. Most packaged pasta advises you to boil something like six quarts of water before adding the dry pasta. Then, once the pasta is cooked, you end up pouring all that water down the drain (and sometimes getting burned by the steam while […]

Frozen yogurt pops are a delicious, refreshing low-calorie treat. Kids love them so much they might not even realize the pops are made from healthy ingredients! Now you can make your own pops at home. You’ll save money and you can control exactly what goes into your kids’ warm-weather treats. […]

Peel garlic with no tools, no knife and no special gadget. All you need is a container with a lid–an empty glass or plastic jar works perfectly. First, separate the cloves. Then put them in the container and shake vigorously. You can watch the peels separate from the cloves as […]

Grate some butter for baking, or cheese for a pizza, or even crayons for your kids’ art project (sure… it’s “for the kids”). A grater comes in handy for all sorts of things in the kitchen–including burnt cookies. Whether you sliced them from a package or made them from scratch, […]

Make celery crisp and fresh and ready for peanut butter once more. Since celery comes in bunches–and let’s face it nobody eats an entire bunch of celery in one sitting–you might have some leftover stalks that have lost their juicy crispness. No worries! Cut the tops and bottoms off of […]

DIY baking mixes save time and money, and give you the chance to enjoy homemade baked goods whenever you’re in the mood to bake. You can make specialty mixes–for example, corn bread, gluten-free mix, or cake mix–ahead of time with recipes found here. When you have a craving for some fresh-baked goodies, […]

Measure gooey ingredients the simple way, by coating your measuring spoon first with a non-stick cooking spray. When you’re measuring honey, agave, molasses, or even maple syrup into a recipe, it’s likely to get stuck to the measuring spoon. Try this simple cooking hack: lightly spray the spoon with non-stick […]

Peel kiwi without tearing off half the fruit or squishing it to smithereens in the process. Take a look at the two ends of the kiwi to find the end where the stem was. Cut that off with a paring knife (or any knife). Then slide a spoon into the […]

Freeze juice boxes overnight to make creative (and juicy) ice packs for your kids’ lunches. Separate the drink boxes, and then place them, straws and all, in the freezer at for least a few hours (overnight is best). The frozen juice box will act as an ice pack, keeping sandwiches and […]

Keep sliced apples fresh for your lunch, the kids’ lunch and after-school snacking. First, wash the apple. Then, remove the core. Did you know there’s a tool for that? There’s also a tool that will let you core and slice the apple in one step. The trick is to hang […]

A snack station is a great way to get the kids involved in packing their lunches on school days. Select snack items–pretzels, crackers, cheese sticks, almonds, and other healthy choices–that you approve of and that your kids enjoy. Pack the snacks in Ziploc bags and place in the “snack station” in […]

Bacon fried Oreos combine the best of so many taste sensations: sweet, salty, juicy, crispy and smoky. What more could there be to LOVE? Here’s how to make them at home. Start with a pack of Oreos (we recommend the new thin version), a pound of sliced bacon and some toothpicks. […]

Peel eggs the easy way–no more fighting with the egg, having bits of the shell still stuck to it or accidentally peeling away part of the egg along with the shell. All you have to do is add a teaspoon of baking soda to the water before you boil it. […]

Pastry puff bacon treats are the easiest way to please all your guests the next time you’re serving brunch (or even a late-night snack!). Get a pound of sliced bacon out of your refrigerator–you know you’ve got it stored in case of a bacon emergency. Cook up the bacon in […]

Pancakes with bacon are a staple of hearty breakfasts everywhere. Now, you no longer need to rush through one part of breakfast to get to the other: you can have your pancakes (with bacon) and eat them, too. First, cook the bacon–it takes a lot longer to cook, and at […]

A paper towel is just what you need to keep lettuce fresh for a few extra days. This can mean the difference between enjoying a salad with your dinner or having to trek out to the store to replace the lettuce that’s quickly gone bad in the fridge. The towel absorbs […]

Punch holes in a simple paper bag–the school lunch variety or a heavier small bag from the grocery store–to create the ideal storage for onions, garlic and shallots. Fold the bag in half lengthwise and use a regular hand-held hole puncher to make holes every inch or so; then fold […]

Scoop watermelon with a tool you probably already have handy: an ice cream scoop. When you’re making a fancy dessert that calls for “melon balls,” you can dig around for your melon baller (yes, another thing I didn’t know I needed!) or just use the same tool you bust out […]

Chop herbs the easy way–that is, without having to pull out the cutting board and slice like crazy. Just grab a handful of herbs and put them in a shot glass. Yes, a shot glass. This is so simple: rinse the herbs and give them a shake, then take a bunch of them […]

Tie frozen food bags easily, without having to go searching for a clip or rubber band. When you open a bag of frozen peas or tater tots, you’ll either tear off a narrow strip (thank you, perforated edges!) or cut it off with scissors. Hold onto that strip, because it […]

Pringles containers come in handy for a lot more than stacked-up potato chips. They make excellent containers for dry spaghetti (and no more pieces of pasta falling out of those flimsy bags!). You can cover the container with washi tape in all sorts of colors and patterns. Start by measuring […]

Frost a cake the simple way: put it on a lazy susan and slowly, gently turn the cake as you frost it! Cake is so important in our lives that it’s made it into the lexicon: “Let them eat cake” and “That’s the frosting on the cake” are two examples. If […]

This delicious pickle hack will come in handy the next time you have an outdoor party. Let’s say you’ve invited everyone in the neighborhood, and they all show up! A couple of troopers brought hot dogs, and there’s salad and beer, but you’ve run out of hot dog buns. Sure, […]

The bacon weave is the most delicious way to enjoy a sandwich, and it fits perfectly into a Paleo, Primal or otherwise protein-forward diet. To add a little spice, protein or tastiness to the next sandwich you make, start with a few pieces of bacon. You can weave them into a square […]

Freeze bacon the smart way, so it will be ready when you are. Bacon is at an all-time high in popularity, because everybody knows that bacon is a delicious way to add great taste and protein to any dish. When you’re making pasta, pizza or an omelette, you need a […]

Eggs, bacon and… where were we? Oh, right–all you need is love, plus eggs and bacon and a muffin tin, for the ideal breakfast or on-the-go snack any day of the week. This is so easy that it doesn’t really qualify as a “recipe.” It’s a bacon hack, plain and simple. […]

Campfire bacon brings bacon to new heights, and it’s a whole lot more satisfying than marshmallows and graham crackers. When you’re out camping with the guys, do you really want to make something your little sister made to get a badge in melted chocolate? Didn’t think so. All you need […]

A bacon taco shell is a little slice of heaven, with all the goodness you’ve come to expect from man’s favorite food: bacon. Start with some slices of bacon, and weave them with the classic over-and-under moves. Cook on a cookie sheet for 15 minutes at 450 degrees. You’ve got […]

Make bacon bowls so easily, you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of this one yourself! Bacon bowls are just about the greatest thing since, well, sliced bacon. You can fill them with chips, salad (if you’re in the mood for healthy food), eggs, even candy. Of course, you can also […]

Hot dogs wrapped in bacon anyone? Why wouldn’t you say “yes” to the most delectable meat combination on Earth? The recipe is simple. Preheat your oven to 350. Have a beer. (That’s optional, of course.) Wrap each hot dog in one to three pieces of bacon. Use toothpicks to attach […]

Microwave bacon the next time you need some crispy goodness in a flash. Start with a (microwave-safe, of course) bowl, turned upside down onto a plate. Lay the bacon over the bowl (it’s okay to criss-cross it). Then heat on high for one minute per slice of bacon. The excess […]

Hard boiled eggs are a culinary workhorse: you can use them to make egg salad or deviled eggs, chop them up for a Cobb salad, or take one with you for a quick protein pick-me-up. Now, you can cook these little treasures the easy way. If you’re already using the oven, […]

Chopping onions doesn’t have to make you cry. The next time your recipe calls for chopped onions, don’t despair. You can avoid the tears with this simple cooking hack. First, cut the ends off the onion. (Some people say that if you rub the cut-off ends in a clockwise motion […]

It’s fun to eat a popsicle no matter how old you are. Don’t let the fear of sticky hands keep you from enjoying a lemon popsicle, a “rocket” or even the perennial favorite: the fudgsicle. Whether your kids are chasing the ice cream man, or you’re one of the only […]

Who knew there was a ketchup cup hack–a way to make that tiny paper cup really work for you? The ketchup cup, ubiquitous at family picnics and company outings, is downright tiny. Most of us use these tiny cups for condiments, yet we struggle with dipping a burger or hot dog (or […]

When you’re baking, sometimes the recipe calls for a yolk or for egg whites. But, without a fancy special tool, what’s the best way to separate eggs? It’s so easy… as long as you have an empty water bottle handy. First, put the raw egg on a plate or in a bowl. […]

Are you tired of facing an avalanche every time you open your freezer? Bags of frozen vegetables (and yes, tater tots are a vegetable, for this exercise) are hard to stack. Add a layer of frost and they slide all over in the freezer… and sometimes onto the floor. Here’s […]

The “perfect” ice cream sandwich is the one you make with the ice cream and cookies that you choose. And it’s so easy to do. First, choose the cookies. They need to be a bit thick (sorry, Famous Amos) to stand up to the cold, wet ice cream. And big, […]

A microwave oven is supposed to make things easier, not more complicated. But there’s only so much you can fit on that little spinning plate in the middle. And so, you sometimes have to cook one meal–or even one part of a meal–at a time, which sort of defeats the […]

You’re hungry, in a bit of a hurry (no time to go out for breakfast), and you decide to make an omelette. The thing is, your housemate has taken all the eggs out of their carton and stuck them in the refrigerator’s egg holder. Great–the eggs are organized but you […]

Are you ready to eat an Oreo, but don’t want to make a mess? You know you love them! The classic Oreo–just the right combination of crunchy and smooth, and perfect for dipping in milk. When you were a kid, it was the dipping and sloshing around with the milk […]

Does it drive you bananas to waste money on food that spoils quickly? Bananas are inexpensive and delicious–and a great source of potassium–but not if they go bad before you have the chance to eat them. You can keep bananas fresh with this simple trick: wrap the stems with plastic wrap. […]

Ground beef… it’s what’s for dinner–once it’s thawed, that is. When you’re hungry for tacos or meatballs, the last thing you want to do is wait forever while the ground beef (or ground turkey or pork) thaws out. You can thaw the main course in a jiffy using this cooking hack: […]

Guacamole, fresh salads, and baked avocado eggrolls made famous by BJ’s… delicious! The humble avocado adds flavor and zest to all sorts of recipes. Of course you want to cook with the green gems, but the price of avocados continues to rise… and who wants to pay for an avocado that–once […]

Presenting a very useful red cup hack. You know that famous red cup… the Solo. It’s ubiquitous at beach parties and BBQs. But did you know the lines on the cup actually mean something? Keep this in mind at your next beach or backyard party: the first line is a […]

You’ve set the table and lit the candles… maybe spread a few rose petals on the path to your door… it’s going to be a great night! Then, just when you try to open that jar of caviar, the darned lid it stuck. Jar hack to the rescue: use a […]

Chocolate bowls are the perfect way to serve up all kinds of delicious treats. Yes, you can make chocolate bowls at home! Just melt (in the microwave or a double boiler) chocolate–white, milk or dark chocolate will do, and you can even melt candy bars with almonds and other bits […]

Soup is just about everyone’s favorite–especially during the cold winter months–but to make it right takes a lot of time. To be most cost- and energy-efficient, make a big batch of soup (or stock) at a time. Use your crock pot, slow cooker, or even a big pan on the […]

Cocoa is always a favorite, and the peppermint version is especially delicious. You can add a few marshmallows for the little ones, or some vodka for that uncle who is looking for something “festive.” When you’ve got a house full of guests, a stovetop brimming over with holiday food, and […]

Avocados are a “superfood” that some nutritionists say can help reduce belly fat. They are also a powerhouse of nutrients. They’re great for salads and sandwiches and even egg rolls. All of that said, even the finest avocado can go bad quickly. A slimy brown slice of goodness is still just as good […]

Cookies are everyone’s favorite–especially during the holidays. You’ve probably spent a lot of time cooking up your mom’s favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe. Now here’s the way to wrap up those treats with style. For a holiday cookie swap, or just bringing treats over to the neighbors, forget about the standard paper […]

Gingerbread cookies are festive and fun, and you can easily turn them into holiday decorations! Here’s an easy and inexpensive way to add some “country cottage” holiday charm to your home. When you’re making these tasty cookies (here’s the easiest way to do that), use a straw to make two holes […]

Edible ornaments? Yes, and they are so easy to make that you’ll wish you’d known about this DIY project ages ago. All you need are some crushed candy canes, metal cookie cutters, and a little DIY genius. Oil a cookie sheet (and the inside of the cookie cutters), add the crushed candy, […]

Candy canes are delightful at the holidays–you can hang them on the Christmas tree, use them to decorate garland, make place cards, and of course, eat them! For the kiddies enjoying hot cocoa, and for the grownups sipping on some eggnog, try using them as candy-coated stir sticks. Just melt chocolate (in […]

A Christmas tree cheeseboard is a wonderful way to serve up cheese and grapes as an appetizer. We love edible Christmas trees, especially when they are this fun and delicious! To make a Christmas tree cheeseboard, use sprigs of rosemary and thyme for the branches, then layer cubes of cheese, grapes, […]

Cranberry ice adds a festive flair to your drinks, appetizer platters and ice buckets at the holidays. It’s so simple to make, too. You can buy a bag of fresh or frozen cranberries at the grocery store. There’s no need to cook them, but be sure to rinse them! Add […]

Candy cane frosting is perfect for holiday cookies and cakes. This easy frosting is lighter than traditional frosting–and quick to make. In fact, it’s so simple you can invite your husband–we mean, your kids–to help you make it. Start with some candy canes of any size. Place them in a brown […]

Strawberry Santas are super easy to make and require only three ingredients: strawberries, whipped cream and tiny round candies like these. Start with a bunch of strawberries. Rinse and remove the stems. Slice the top one-third of a strawberry, add whipped cream, then put the top of the strawberry on top of […]

A lemon squeeze hack that will make everything easier: use tongs. When life gives you lemons, grab the tongs! You can use them to easily squeeze the lemon juice for cooking, making lemonade, or even cleaning your house. Sure you can use a juicer (if you have the time) or […]

Decorate cookies at the holidays–or any time of year–without the hassle of special tools. (Yes, there are special tools for this task, but you can do it for a fraction of the cost!) Decorating cookies and cakes adds some cheer to dessert–and it’s a fun way to keep the kids busy. […]

Holiday brownies combine the best of both worlds: sweets + holiday celebration. (Oh, and at the holidays, calories don’t really count.) Whether you are making brownies, blondies, fudge, or even homemade marshmallows, make them in the shapes of Christmas trees, stars and holly with this very simple trick: use metal cookie […]

A DIY holiday serving tray is easy to make, and it will make everything you cook over the holidays look especially sumptuous. Of course, you want your fancy holiday drinks to taste good (here’s a vodka hack that will help). For holiday appetizers or drinks, you can make a fancy […]

Edible Christmas trees are simple to make and delicious to eat. All you need is pita bread, guacamole and some pretzel sticks. You can add tomatoes or sour cream for some extra pizazz. Make your own colorful and healthy Christmas appetizer with these simple ingredients. Cut pita bread into wedges […]

DIY whipped cream is easy to make and delicious! For mouthwatering desserts and drinks, you can make your own fresh whipped cream, even without a mixer. Start with a small carton of heavy whipping cream (Trader Joe’s carries this), add a big pinch of sugar and half a teaspoon natural […]

Cook bacon without the mess and keep all the flavor. The best part of bacon is its juicy goodness… and what’s the best way to keep all those juices in one place? Here’s the one simple trick for evenly cooked bacon with no oil splatters: cook it in a waffle iron. Just lay […]

Ripen bananas for holiday baking, quickly and easily. When you buy a bunch of bananas, it’s impossible to predict if they will ripen overnight or take a week to turn yellow. And nobody wants to eat banana bread that’s been made with unripe fruit. If you’re in a hurry to […]

Crunchy taco shells are so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t made them before. Here’s an easy way to make hot, delicious and crunchy taco shells at home. Start with flour tortillas. Drape each one over a few rungs of your oven rack and bake at 350 for […]

Upgrade cheap vodka and enjoy making designer drinks at home! Do you feel like mixing up a martini, but don’t have the cash to lay out on “good” vodka? No worries, you can use your water filter (like this one) and run the vodka through a few times. Your $5 […]

DIY dried fruit is a lot easier than you might imagine. Dried fruit–made fresh by you–is a perfect on-the-go snack, easy to take with you to the office or the gym. You can eat it on the run or add it to a salad. If you’re feeling really creative (and […]

Keep cheese fresh with butter. No more nasty green edges or funky white dots (those are mold) on your cheese with this easy cooking hack. Planning a wine and cheese party? Just a dab of butter will make that delicious and expensive cheese last longer. Rub a bit of butter on […]

Chop veggies once a week, instead of every single day. This tip will help you eat healthy and have more time. On Sunday, wash and chop all the vegetables you’ll need for the week—for snacks, salads, stir-fry meals and sides. You won’t have to spend the time cleaning a handful […]

Super juicy turkey is what every cook is aiming for at the holidays, and any time. Nobody wants to spend hours in the kitchen only to end up with a dried-out bird. The best-kept secret to a juicy turkey is this: cheesecloth. First, melt a stick of butter and season […]

Penny pie weights are an old-school hack for an all-time favorite: pie. If you’ve ever tried to make a pie crust from scratch, it may have turned out a bit differently than you’d planned. Without using pie weights when you bake the crust, it can turn into something that looks […]

A fat separator is the secret to perfect gravy. And it’s one of those tools that you might not have known you needed, but will wonder how you lived without. If you are new to the culinary scene–that is, you’ve been eating at Mom’s all your life–you may have never […]

Keep gravy warm without using up precious real estate on your stovetop! During the holidays, when you’ve got friends and family mulling around in the kitchen and “helping” you cook, stovetop space is in demand. Rather than keeping your gravy warm in a stove-top saucepan, put it in a Thermos. […]

Fix overcooked turkey the easy way: chicken broth. It’s easy to overcook the turkey (unless you’ve slow-roasted it overnight). Then your friends and family show up, and you’ve got precious little to show for a day of prepping and cooking for the holiday. What to do? Revive too-dry turkey with chicken […]

50 shades of gravy will keep you and your guests satisfied throughout the holiday season. You want your gravy to be thick, juicy and tasty. But what if your bird just doesn’t have the juice? The most popular turkey of the season is the one that lived happily, running free […]

A DIY roasting tray is easy enough to make when you get a bit creative. We love creative DIY cooking ideas, like this roasting tray made of aluminum foil. But what if you’re out of foil? It’s the holiday, and the store is closed (or your friends and family have […]

Crimp pie crust the simple way and you can serve a pie that looks like it was made by a professional baker. When making pie from scratch (or making store-bought crust look homemade), you could use a specialized crimper to crimp the edges of your pie crust. If you can’t seem to […]

Post recipes on the cupboard, wall or refrigerator to make family cooking effortless. Families who cook together have a lot of fun! Whether you are preparing a full holiday meal or just making cookies, the best way for several people to work on a cooking project together is with a recipe […]

Cook stuffing in a muffin tin to make the most of your holiday meals. When you have leftover stuffing, place single portions in a muffin tin and bake. Depending on how dense the stuffing is (that is, how much sausage you put in), it should bake in about 15-20 minutes at 350. […]

A simple pie crust is what you need when you’re making a single-crust pie–like pumpkin pie or pecan pie. Here’s the way to make sure that the crust holds its shape. Once you’ve rolled out the dough and placed it in a pie tin (or Pyrex dish), put it in the […]

Holiday food prep is one thing you shouldn’t have to worry about this year. Chopping onions may make you cry, but cooking a holiday meal shouldn’t cause you to shed tears! Among the best things about holidays: spending time with family and friends, and of course enjoying great food. Among […]

Fluffy mashed potatoes are everybody’s favorite, and now you can make them easily with one simple trick. The perfect fluffy mashed potatoes have a secret ingredient: baking powder. Here’s a simple recipe for mashed potatoes, with just a touch of baking powder. You won’t be able to see it or […]

An easy DIY roasting rack may mean the difference between a perfect turkey and a total flop. You’ve spent your hard-earned money on a turkey and all the fixings, plus dessert and drinks. Now you’re preparing to cook the bird and the recipe mentions a roasting rack–like everyone happens to […]

Roast a turkey overnight to get an exceptionally moist and juicy bird and you’ll free up the oven for cooking appetizers and sides. A few points to note: Do not stuff the turkey (cook the stuffing separately–you might want to cook it in a muffin tin for fun); Use a roasting rack […]

Grated frozen butter can be your secret ingredient for delicious baking. If you’ve ever tried to save time by using melted butter when mixing up some dough, you know what can happen: flat-as-a-pancake cookies and biscuits. Yet stirring in hard butter can take ages and make a lumpy mess. Here’s a […]

Mustard helps heal minor burns by reducing inflammation, which means less pain and a quicker healing process… Did you forget to grab a pot holder when you were checking to see if your casserole was hot? And it was hot! For a minor burn (that is, the type that smarts but doesn’t blister), dab a […]

Iced coffee can really hit the spot on a hot day, at the end of a meal, or on the go. Everyone loves a cold brew–as long as it’s strong and cool, not watered down. Keep your coffee cool with coffee ice cubes. Simply pour some coffee in an ice-cube tray […]

Marshmallows for a sore throat may seem like an old wives’ tale, but they work! Are you suffering from a sore throat? If you’ve been cheering for your favorite team, or flying, or out in the cold… it’s easy to end up with a sore throat. Here’s a simple, old-fashioned way […]

Chill a beverage quickly with this hack. When friends show up unannounced, or when you’re simply in the mood for a nice, chilled beverage, you probably don’t want to wait. In fact, there are really no good times to wait for a chilled drink, and you shouldn’t have to. Beer, […]

A pants hanger is what you really need in the kitchen. Sure, you’ve ot fancy tools but are any of them holding up your cookbooks? It’s 7 p.m. Your friends and family will start arriving in 30 minutes. You’ve got your hands full cooking dinner and the darned cookbook keeps […]

These egg muffins are so easy to make that they qualify for “hack” status. This recipe will save time when you make a dozen at once, then enjoy one or two for breakfast each morning all week long. Chop and mix your favorite vegetables (or the ones you need to […]

A lunch hack is exactly what you need to make the most of your weekdays. Who has time to fuss with lunch? This is an awesome time-saver! You’ll save money, too, if you cook an entire chicken (or save even more time and buy a rotisserie chicken at your local […]

Chill wine the easy, efficient and stylish way: use frozen grapes. No time to chill your wine? Don’t even think about adding ice cubes, which will quickly dilute the wine. Instead, keep some frozen grapes handy in your freezer. Add the grapes to the grown-up “grape juice” and for a […]

Healthy snacks are all the rage, but there’s no reason to spend a lot of money (or time) on them. You want to eat healthy while you’re out, and the great news is that you can make and take a healthy snack easily. Start with a Mason jar or IKEA food container. […]

Jar salad is so easy and healthy, and a week of salad in a jar is the best way to ensure a week of healthy lunches. Think about the things you love in a salad: greens, carrots, corn, maybe some pine nuts or pecans, chopped egg… even anchovies! Before you begin […]

Pizza: it’s everybody’s favorite, on all sorts of occasions. Whether it’s deep-dish or gluten-free, this perennial fave is fast, fun and easy. There is something especially satisfying about a cold deep-dish in the morning. C’mon, you know you love it! But not if the crust is gooey. When you heat up your […]

Heat leftovers the easy way–and the way that makes them taste delicious. The whole point of leftovers is to have something to eat when you want it! To speed up the heating-up time, put your leftovers on a plate and leave a space in the middle (your leftovers should look […]

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Bobby pins are a long-time beauty staple: helping to create hair styles from retro pin-up pin curls to modern “dos.” These little helpers have been around since the 1920s and have evolved to include mini-bobbies, camo bobbies and even Hello Kitty bobbies. Yet still there hasn’t been a good way to carry them […]

DIY drawer dividers are easy to make with something you probably already have in your closet: shoeboxes. Drawer dividers help you make the most of each dresser drawer. It’s like having a bunch of little drawers in one place, giving you more room and keeping things neat and tidy. Think […]

A little bit of time spent to thoroughly clean your gutters can yield big dividends, in terms of cost savings and peace of mind. Typically this would require setting up a tall ladder and getting to work. Keeping the gutters on your house free of debris can save you tons of […]

Keep the back seat of your car clean and free of clutter, once and for all. If you’re like most people, you use the back seat as a catch-all: a place for your sporting equipment, an extra jacket, empty water bottles, mail, recyclable bags, and whatever else you don’t want […]

Desk organizing at work doesn’t have to be boring. Update your high-tech work area with a low-tech favorite: Legos bring a bit of vintage fun to your workspace. First, attach a long Lego piece to the side of your desk (make it the same side where your laptop charges). You can attach […]

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Remove cherry pits before you serve a bowl of cherries and you won’t have to worry about your kids chocking on the pits–or spitting them out at their siblings. First, wash the cherries. Use a narrow-necked bottle, like a wine bottle or an old-fashioned soda bottle. If the cherry has […]

Create font based on your very own handwriting. Just a few years ago, creating a font took months of work by a graphic designer. Today, you can create a font based on your own handwriting, the easy way. High tech meets low tech at a website that will walk you through the […]

DIY nail art can be simple, fun and oh-so chic–all you need are a couple of Band-Aids. First, paint your nails with a base color. You can add a clear top-coat over the base, or over your “art” or, for a super long-lasting manicure, over both. Place the end of […]

Perfect mascara can be yours, at last. You want to coat all your lashes, from the base all the way up–but it can get messy. Try this: hold a business card at the base of your lashes. The card will absorb the extra mascara that would otherwise end up all […]

Remove water stains from your coffee tables, dining room table or even your piano bench (!) with the concentrated heat of your hair dryer. Cool glasses of water or hot cops of tea–along with those sippy cups full of juice that your kids love–leave a white mark on wood furniture. […]

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Strawberry Santas are super easy to make and require only three ingredients: strawberries, whipped cream and tiny round candies like these. Start with a bunch of strawberries. Rinse and remove the stems. Slice the top one-third of a strawberry, add whipped cream, then put the top of the strawberry on top of […]

Heat leftovers the easy way–and the way that makes them taste delicious. The whole point of leftovers is to have something to eat when you want it! To speed up the heating-up time, put your leftovers on a plate and leave a space in the middle (your leftovers should look […]

Does it drive you bananas to waste money on food that spoils quickly? Bananas are inexpensive and delicious–and a great source of potassium–but not if they go bad before you have the chance to eat them. You can keep bananas fresh with this simple trick: wrap the stems with plastic wrap. […]

Avocados are a “superfood” that some nutritionists say can help reduce belly fat. They are also a powerhouse of nutrients. They’re great for salads and sandwiches and even egg rolls. All of that said, even the finest avocado can go bad quickly. A slimy brown slice of goodness is still just as good […]

Cook stuffing in a muffin tin to make the most of your holiday meals. When you have leftover stuffing, place single portions in a muffin tin and bake. Depending on how dense the stuffing is (that is, how much sausage you put in), it should bake in about 15-20 minutes at 350. […]

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Chill wine the easy, efficient and stylish way: use frozen grapes. No time to chill your wine? Don’t even think about adding ice cubes, which will quickly dilute the wine. Instead, keep some frozen grapes handy in your freezer. Add the grapes to the grown-up “grape juice” and for a […]

Make celery crisp and fresh and ready for peanut butter once more. Since celery comes in bunches–and let’s face it nobody eats an entire bunch of celery in one sitting–you might have some leftover stalks that have lost their juicy crispness. No worries! Cut the tops and bottoms off of […]

Cookies are everyone’s favorite–especially during the holidays. You’ve probably spent a lot of time cooking up your mom’s favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe. Now here’s the way to wrap up those treats with style. For a holiday cookie swap, or just bringing treats over to the neighbors, forget about the standard paper […]

Cocoa is always a favorite, and the peppermint version is especially delicious. You can add a few marshmallows for the little ones, or some vodka for that uncle who is looking for something “festive.” When you’ve got a house full of guests, a stovetop brimming over with holiday food, and […]

Peel garlic with no tools, no knife and no special gadget. All you need is a container with a lid–an empty glass or plastic jar works perfectly. First, separate the cloves. Then put them in the container and shake vigorously. You can watch the peels separate from the cloves as […]